Otter Gifts

Otters have long, slim bodies and relatively short limbs,
with webbed paws. Most have sharp claws on their feet, and
all except the sea otter have long muscular tails. They have
a very soft, insulated underfur which is protected by their
outer layer of long guard hair. This traps a layer of air,
and keeps them dry and warm under water.

Sea Otters

All About Sea Otters

Sea Otters have a stockier build than other otter species
and they have a wider rib cage. Sea Otters otters have
flexible bodies which allow them to easily groom themselves.
Sea otters have four relatively short legs, their front
feet are very dexterous and have retractile claws. Sea
Otters have shorter less muscular tails than other otter
species.

Sea Otters have the longest fur of all otter species.
Sea Otters can swim more than 5 mph. Sea Otters remain
submerged for shorter lengths of time than many other
otter species, with a typical dive being between 52-90
seconds. Sea Otters are active during the day, with
their daily activities including feeding, grooming and
resting.

Sea Otters eat fish, crabs, sea urchins, abalones,
clams, mussels and snails. Sea Otters eat 25-30% of
their body weigh every day. Sea otters frequently float
on their backs at the surface. Sea Otters will often
use “tools” like rocks to break open the shells of their
prey, holding the rock on the chest the and pounding
the prey on the rock until it breaks open. Sea otters
have 32 teeth used for crushing and grinding shells
of invertebrates.

Sea Otters typically give birth to a single otter at
a time. Sea Otter pups weigh 4.5-5 lbs. A female sea
otter will carry and nurse her pup on her belly as she
floats on her back. Sea Otter pups can eat solid foods
after only one month, but they remain dependent on their
mother for care for up to six months.